China unveils first VT4 tanks produced for Royal Thai Army

The state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) released video footage showing production line of new VT4 (previously known as the MBT3000) main battle tanks.

The VT4 main battle tanks have been displayed before in parades and exhibitions, but the video and photos of NORINCO’s production line released at the first time. Also, CCTV has shown new VT4 main battle tanks there were ordered by the Royal Thai Army.

The Royal Thai Army has ordered 38 VT4 main battle tanks, equipped with turbocharged diesel developing 1,200hp coupled to an automatic transmission, from China North Industries Corporation (Norinco). With a combat weight of 52 tonnes, the VT-4 has a power-to-weight ratio of more than 23hp/tonne.

The VT4 is armed with a 125mm smoothbore gun and fitted with an automatic loader. Secondary armament of VT4 consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and remote-controlled 12.7mm MG operated by the tank commander.

The first batch of 28 tanks is expected to be delivered in this year, said General Chalermchai Sitthisart, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Army.